Looking to join your spouse or fiance in the United States?

The U.S. Spousal Visa (K-1) and Fiancé Visa are designed to help foreign nationals come to the United States to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé or spouse.

Petition and Application Process

• The U.S. citizen must file a petition (Form I-129F for K-1, and Form I-130 for CR-1/IR-1) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Once approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the foreign national’s home country.

Financial Requirements

• The U.S. citizen sponsor needs to demonstrate that they can financially support their foreign spouse or fiancé. This is to ensure that the immigrant doesn’t become a public charge.

Medical Examination and Background Checks

• The foreign national must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
• Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign national must pass background checks.

What are the steps for the K-1 Visa?

1. Petition Filing

U.S. citizen fiancé(e) files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS, establishing the intention to marry and initiating the K-1 visa process.

2. USCIS Processing

USCIS reviews and approves the petition, forwarding it to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s country.

3. Embassy/Consulate Processing

Foreign fiancé(e) undergoes medical examinations and attends a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, where the K-1 visa may be approved.

4. Travel to the U.S.

Upon visa approval, foreign fiancé(e) travels to the U.S. within the validity period of the K-1 visa and must marry the U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days.

5. Adjustment of Status

After marriage, foreign fiancé(e) applies for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to obtain lawful permanent residency (green card) in the U.S.